A successful horse breeder and self-proclaimed rake, Harry Lester samples women like wines. But after having his heart trampled upon by someone he actually loved, he has no intention of falling for a woman again, let alone be ensnared by the trap of marriage. Now, with a large inheritance to his name, Harry knows that he'd best start running from London's matchmaking mothers and widows.

A Lady of Expectations

Jack Lester has to find a bride...But where can he find the perfect woman? She has to be attractive, kind, a good conversationalist...and most important, she has to accept him as he is: devilishly handsome, charming and, as far as anyone knows, poor as a church mouse! If London society discovers his hidden wealth, he'll never find the right wife.

The Reasons for Marriage

Lenore Lester was perfectly content with her quiet country life, caring for her father, and having no desire for marriage. She took steps to remain inconspicuous and tried her best to show indifference--but to no avail! The irresistible Duke of Eversleigh had found her out and was quite persistent in his affections....

Impetuous Innocent

After the death of her father, Georgiana Hartley returns home to England - only to be confronted with the boorish advances of her cousin. Knowing no one, she flees to Dominic Ridgely's estate, hoping the nobleman will bestow a neighborly kindness upon her. The viscount hears Georgiana's plea to find her a position as a lady's companion with barely concealed ill humor. A lovely innocent such as Miss Hartley subjected to that wretched existence?

Four in Hand

Max Rotherbridge couldn't believe it. Along with the dukedom of Twyford, he - London's most notorious rogue - had inherited wardship of four devilishly attractive sisters! Including the irresistible Caroline Twinning. The eldest Twinning was everything he had ever wanted in a woman, but even Max couldn't seduce his own ward...or could he?

A Match for Marcus Cynster: The Cynster Novels, Book 23

Restless and impatient, Marcus Cynster waits for fate to come calling. He knows his destiny lies in the lands surrounding his family home, but what will his future be and with whom will he share it? Of one fact he feels certain: his fated bride will not be Niniver Carrick. His elusive neighbor attracts him mightily, yet he feels compelled to protect her - even from himself. Fate, he's sure, would never be so kind as to decree that Niniver should be his. The best he can do for them both is to avoid her.

Only a Promise

Ralph Stockwood prides himself on being a leader, but when he convinced his friends to fight in the Napoleonic Wars, he never envisioned being the sole survivor. Racked with guilt over their deaths, Ralph must move on...and find a wife so as to secure an heir to his family's title and fortune.

A Comfortable Wife

Antonia was not going to dwindle into an old maid... Miss Antonia Mannering had made plans, and Lord Philip Ruthven played a large part in them. They had been childhood friends, but had not seen each other for years. She knew Philip was popular with the ladies, but he had never married any of them. Wouldn't he now be ready for a wife? If she could prove to him that she could run his home, not disgrace him in Society and be a comfortable wife for him, surely he would be prompted to propose to her.

The Scoundrel and the Debutante

The fate of Roan Matheson's family depends on how quickly he can find his runaway sister and persuade her to return to her betrothed. Scouring the rustic English countryside with the sensually wicked Prudence at his side - and in his bed - he's out of his element. But once Roan has a taste of the sizzling passion that can lead to forever, he must choose between his heart's obligations and its forbidden desires.

Fair Juno

When the Earl of Merton suddenly finds himself playing the knight in shining armor to a damsel in distress, he knows his days as a notorious rake are numbered. But though the lady seems grateful for his assistance, she flees the scene without revealing her name. And though past scandals and present dangers threaten his pursuit of the mysterious lady, he knows she is to be his destiny.

Two noble teenagers are married against their will. Drugged, Deb has no recollection of events. Disgraced, Julian is banished to the continent. Years later, Deb falls in love with a wounded duelist, only to discover it is her husband, returned incognito! Can Deb forgive his calculated deception? Will their marriage survive beyond seduction?

The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21

Thomas Carrick is a gentleman driven to control all aspects of his life. As the wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in bustling Glasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible bachelors and fully intends to select an appropriate wife from the many young ladies paraded before him. He wants to take that necessary next step along his self-determined path, yet no young lady captures his eye, much less his attention - not in the way Lucilla Cynster does, even though she lives miles away.

The Lady Risks All

Neville Roscoe, notorious and enigmatic, lives resolutely outside society, bound only by his own code of honor - until challenged by his desire for the one woman he cannot have. Miranda Clifford is a lady imprisoned by rigid respectability - until tempted by a passion beyond her power to deny. Flung together in peril, through danger and intrigue, they discover a love impossible to ignore...or keep.

This Heart of Mine: Whiskey Creek Series # 8

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him - especially once she found out that she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next. Unfortunately there was no way to prove her innocence.

By Winter's Light: Cynster, Book 21

It's December 1837, and the young adults of the Cynster clan have succeeded in having the family Christmas celebration held at snowbound Casphairn Manor, Richard and Catriona Cynster's home. Led by Sebastian, Marquess of Earith, and by Lucilla, future Lady of the Vale, and her twin brother, Marcus, the upcoming generation has its own plans for the holiday season.

Heartless

Life has taught Lucas Kendrick, duke of Harndon, that a heart is a decided liability. Betrayed by his elder brother, rejected by his fiancée, banished by his father, and shunned by his mother, Luke fled to Paris, where he became the most sought-after bachelor in fashionable society. Ten years later fate has brought him back home to England as head of the family who rejected him. Unwilling as he is to be involved with them, he must assume responsibility for his younger siblings, the family estate he once loved - and the succession.

Tangled Reins

Miss Dorothea Darent has no intention of ever getting married, certainly not to a rogue such as the Marquis of Hazelmere. A disreputable scoundrel, he is captivated when they meet by chance and is determined to win her heart, even while she's busy dazzling the rest of London society. Now Dorothea has a choice to make: stick with her plan to remain a respectable spinster, or run into the arms of her dashing stranger.

The Lady Chosen

Stephanie Laurens' hot-blooded romances, including her New York Times best-selling Bar Cynster series, have earned her legions of loyal devotees. The beginning of an exciting new saga, The Lady Chosen introduces the distinguished war veterans of the Bastion Club, single gentlemen not entirely committed to staying that way.

Captain Jack's Woman: The Bastion Club Novels

They meet in a clash of swords, drenched in the moonlight of Britain's rugged eastern coast: Captain Jack, his handsome features etched in silver and shadow, his powerful physique compelling "Kit" Cranmer to surrender. He is her dream lover come vividly alive, and his command of the smuggling gang is absolute. His all-knowing gaze penetrates her disguise as the male leader of a rival gang with frightening ease, and his "punishment" with kisses leaves her maidenly modesty in tatters.

Echo Lake: Swift River Valley, Book 4

Heather Sloan has landed her dream job - the renovation of Vic Scarlatti's stately 1912 country home overlooking the icy waters of Echo Lakein Knights Bridge, Massachusetts. It's the perfect project for the family business, but for once, Heather is in charge.

The Untamed Bride: Black Cobra Quartet

New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens presents a brash, bold new series. They're battle-hardened, sinfully wealthy, completely unstoppable - and all male: Four officers of the Crown, fighting against a deadly foe known only as the Black Cobra.

Once a Wallflower, at Last His Love: Scandalous Seasons, Book 6

Responsible, practical Miss Hermione Rogers, has been crafting stories as the notorious Mr. Michael Michaelmas and selling them for a meager wage to support her siblings. The only real way to ensure her family's ruinous debts are paid, however, is to marry. Tall, thin, and plain, she has no expectation of success. In London for her first Season she seizes the chance to write the tale of a brooding duke. In her research, she finds Sebastian Fitzhugh, the Fifth Duke of Mallen.

The Last Hellion: Scoundrels, Book 4

The Duke of Ainswood, Vere Mallory - the last of the infamous Mallory hellions - lives a charmed life: he's rich, titled, and exceedingly handsome. And he's seemingly bent on throwing it all away in his reckless race toward self-destruction, until a devastatingly beautiful blonde amazon literally knocks him off his feet.

Publisher's Summary

Marriage is out of the question!

A successful horse breeder and self-proclaimed rake, Harry Lester samples women like wines. But after having his heart trampled upon by someone he actually loved, he has no intention of falling for a woman again, let alone be ensnared by the trap of marriage. Now, with a large inheritance to his name, Harry knows that he'd best start running from London's matchmaking mothers and widows.

Harry heads for the racing town of Newmarket, only to encounter Mrs. Lucinda Babbacombe, a beautiful, independent widow. And before he knows it, Harry vows to protect Lucinda from the town full of lonely gambling men, despite her refusal to accept his countless offers of help. Lucinda is extraordinary: an intelligent, tender, marriage-worthy woman... but will Harry let himself be taken prisoner in this most passionate of traps?

I almost gave up on this book, but since I actually paid for it (ie not a credit) I felt bound to finish.

It wasn't that the story was terrible, it was just pat and predictable. It seemed to take forever for the story get going, so long I almost didn't care what happened to the characters, I just wanted the book to end. The writing seemed lazy with repeating phrases and vocabulary. There were a couple amusing scenes, but I had to listen to a lot of drivle to get to them. As for the rake and his reformer, the romance between them was rather aseptic. The potential for passion was there, but it all seemed to fizzle with the exception of a token couple of romance scenes.

Ms Chalfant does add to the reading, by characterizing her voices, but at times her accent was grating. Most listeners will probably not be bothered, but if you are very familiar with British accents you may occasionally cringe. Not to take away from her talent, but I have to wonder, is it really that hard to get actual British born narrators to read British based historical romances?

I give this 2.5 stars, and an additional half-star for Ms Chalfant's attempt to make the characters sound interesting. It did deliver a standard Regency romance. If that is enough to make you happy, then buy away!

But if you like a little substance to your plot, then steer clear of this one, there are more engaging historical romances out there.

This title was a very enjoyable historical romance. As with most in this genre, there's always an interesting Rake ( a goregeous one), a "Lady", etc. The story line was good, the book well written, and the story well read. I recommend.

Would you be willing to try another one of Nellie Chalfant’s performances?

no

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I always enjoy Stephanie Laurens stories

Any additional comments?

I still just can't believe that Nellie Chalfant didn't know how to pronounce SIGNIFICANT words in this book. If you're familiar with Stephanie Laurens books you'll know how many times the word TON is mentioned. Ton as in Bon Ton -- NOT as in TON of bricks. I like this story, but literally found myself cringing every 2 to 5 minutes because of a mispronounced word. Once in a book, maybe twice you'll hear something and think "huh?" but this goes way beyond. If that sort of thing interferes with your enjoyment please try another title.

I bought this one because it was on sale but the old saying rings true: You get what you pay for. The story is trite and shallow and the reader is amateurish in the extreme. I definitely wouldn't recommend it.

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